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or text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program for the Halifax area:
902-425-0122

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African Male

You were dressing inappropriately, so you were asking for it

Unfortunately, our culture sometimes has the tendency to blame the victim, blaming it on how they were dressed. Probably the biggest thing they say is, "You were dressing too inappropriately, so you were asking for it." That’s always the sentence we hear.

Recommendations

  • Create an inter-university and college roster of peer supporters and educators that includes international and domestic student leaders across genders.

  • Engage in activities to develop cultural responsiveness as it pertains to sexual violence prevention and response. Apply culturally responsive practices in these areas.

  • Use approaches that are trauma informed and survivor-centred.

  • Consider how a student's identities might affect their expectations and concerns when accessing supports following a sexual assault, or when involved in a sexual assault investigation.

  • Ensure all sexual violence prevention and response education and training opportunities actively deconstruct victim-blaming, rape myths and gender norms. Ensure these sessions take an intersectional approach to understanding sexual violence and supporting victim/survivors.